A Weekend Escape to Kasol & Kheerganga

There are some trips that stay etched in your memory forever — our six‑friend escape from Delhi to the mountains was one of those. What started as a casual plan over coffee turned into an unforgettable two‑day adventure full of laughter, bonfires, and breathtaking Himalayan trails.

Day 1: Delhi to Kasol – Settling Into North Deodar Camps

Our journey began late at night from Delhi in a Volvo bus bound for Kasol. The cool morning breeze, the winding roads of Himachal, and the towering deodar trees welcomed us as we reached the valley around mid‑morning.

We checked into North Deodar Camps, a beautiful riverside property tucked away among pine forests. Mr. Ashish, the owner, greeted us warmly and even helped us plan our trek to Kheerganga for the next day.

After some rest, day one was all about soaking in the peace of Kasol. We spent our evening by the riverside, dipping our feet in the cold Parvati river. Later, we gathered around a bonfire at the camp, where music, barbecue, and laughter filled the starry night. It was the perfect start to our mountain retreat.

Day 2: The Kheerganga Trek

We started early the next morning after a hearty breakfast. Mr. Ashish had arranged a private Sumo to take us from Kasol to Barsheni, the starting point of the Kheerganga trek. Our guide, arranged by North Deodar Camps, accompanied us throughout the day and ensured everything went smoothly.

The trek began with a gentle climb through lush pine forests, wooden bridges, and mountain streams. The trail was dotted with small cafés run by locals serving Maggi and chai — perfect for short breaks.

Soon, the forest deepened, and we reached the famous Rudranag Waterfall, a stunning zigzag fall that offered a much‑needed refresh. From here, the climb became steeper, winding through dense deodar and oak forests. Despite our excitement, it was challenging — especially for the girls in our group, who were trekking for the first time. It took us about six hours to reach the top, with plenty of photo stops and laughter along the way.

At the summit, we checked into the camps arranged by the guide. The accommodation was basic — clean tents, simple food, and shared washrooms — but the views made it all worthwhile. We dipped into the sacred hot springs of Kheerganga, where the warm water felt magical amid the cold mountain air. As night fell, we had a simple meal under a sky full of stars and spent the night chatting and reliving the day’s adventure.

Day 3: Descent through Pulga Forest – Back to North Deodar Camps

The next morning, after breakfast, we decided to return via the alternate Pulga–Kalga route. It was slightly shorter and passed through enchanting cedar forests and apple orchards, with glimpses of local village life. The descent took us around three and a half hours, and soon we were back at Barsheni, where our taxi awaited.

By afternoon, we reached Kasol and checked back into North Deodar Camps. The staff had safely kept our luggage in the cloakroom during our trek — such a helpful service that made things hassle‑free. That evening, a warm shower, a good meal, and soft beds never felt so luxurious!

Our Reflections and Recommendations

For most of us — especially the girls trekking for the first time — Kheerganga was both challenging and rewarding. The moderate trail tested our stamina but rewarded us with unreal beauty: snow‑capped peaks, waterfalls, and the sacred hot spring experience.

Pro tip for trekkers:

• If you’re short on time or prefer comfort, you can complete the trek in one day. Start early (around 6 AM) from Kasol, reach the top by noon, enjoy the hot spring bath, and be back in Kasol by evening.

• However, don’t expect luxury up there. The camps at Kheerganga are very basic compared to the comfort, service, and riverside ambiance you’ll find at North Deodar Camps.
  

In Summary

Two days, six friends, countless memories. From the serene evenings at North Deodar Camps to the thrilling climb up Kheerganga, this short Himalayan escape rekindled our love for nature and reminded us just how refreshing a break from city life can be.